Doris Fisher, co-founder of American clothing retailer Gap, has died at the age of 94, the company announced on Monday.
She died “peacefully, surrounded by her family,” according to a company statement, which did not disclose the cause or exact date of her death.
“There is simply no equal to Doris Fisher. In Gap-speak, she was a true original,” said the company’s President and CEO, Richard Dickson.
“She understood first-hand the value of self-expression, diversity, and inclusion, and worked tirelessly to ensure that Gap Inc. always did more than sell clothes,” he added.
Fisher and her late husband, Donald Fisher, opened the first Gap store in San Francisco in 1969, laying the foundation for what would become a global fashion brand.
The couple helped shape casual American style, focusing on affordable, ready-to-wear clothing such as jeans, T-shirts, and sweatshirts. Doris Fisher also coined the company’s name, drawing inspiration from the “generation gap” and the youthful market they aimed to serve, according to The New York Times.
Their retail philosophy emphasised simplicity and efficiency, ensuring stores were well-stocked and sizes clearly organised to make shopping easier for customers.
Over the years, the company expanded to include major brands such as Banana Republic and Old Navy. Today, Gap operates about 3,500 stores worldwide, including both company-owned and franchise locations.
“Never content with what is, Doris continuously imagined what might be and then made it happen,” Dickson said. “A great deal of Gap Inc.’s culture at its best derives from her influence.”
She is survived by her three sons — Robert, William, and John.
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